At the past City Council meeting, Councilwoman Vella-Wilkinson put forth a resolution that would give our great veterans a pool pass discount for McDermott Pool.

I thought this was a great idea and so did eight of the nine council members but apparently Roy Dempsey from Ward 1 is against this. Mr. Dempsey referred to the Veterans legislation as "amounting to feel good legislation."

Tim Howe, commander for the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV), immediately responded that as an injured, disabled vet, it takes more than a pool pass discount to make him "feel good." He is in constant pain but appreciated having a member of the City Council who is a veteran looking out for veterans in Warwick.

Dempsey tried to defend his comment by saying it was an unfortunate phrase but this was not the time to be giving tax breaks. Mr. Howe countered that “it was a good thing our veterans don't consider the high costs to them or their families when they volunteer to serve their country.” This is right out of a scene from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas;” only it’s Mr. Dempsey trying to take the last can of Who-hash.